Leopold

The spreading suburb of Leopold lies on both sides of the Bellarine Highway, with small shopping areas in each part.

Leopold is on high ground but has several waterholes and wetlands around its perimeter. One has been made into the Gateway Sanctuary reserve.

Boating is popular among residents since the town enjoys quick access to jetties along Corio Bay, a short drive to the north. Leopold also enjoys proximity to the dramatic beaches and bays around Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove.

History

The town was called Kensington before it was renamed Leopold in 1892, after Queen Victoria's son, the Duke of Albany. It was established in 1852 after other small subdivisions had failed. Initially, buildings were of wattle and daub, or even canvas.

Later there were paling houses with wooden roof shingles. Proximity to Point Henry attracted settlers who had been to the goldfields and wanted to buy small farms. The first church services were held in different pioneers' homes - according to denomination.

In 1885, Kensington was described as a good fruit-growing area with a population of 100 people living within a mile of the post office. Early postal activities were conducted from the first shops in the area. And the famously named hotel - the Help Me Through The World Hotel - operated on the Portarlington Road, towards Curlewis.

Leopold remained a rural community until the 1960s, when industrial development at Moolap and Point Henry made Leopold an attractive place to live. Its population doubled between 1961 and 1971 and doubled again in the following decade.